"But when
that which is perfect has come,
then that which is in part will be done away"
(1Corinthians 13:10).1

"But whenever the dimension of God has
come, then that dimension of man shall be done away."

Paul's idea is one of two distinct realities of existence; he
compares the two and notes how they interact: The arrival of the
greater (full and complete) "Perfect" sphere of God
totally destroys the lesser "in part" (incomplete,
imperfect) sphere of our present existence.

The
"Perfect" is the Kingdom of the Heavens

[9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part. [10] But
when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in
part will be done away.

The natural interpretation of "perfect" is found in
the context itself: Now we exist in the meros ("in
part") sphere; within it we have childish things and partial
knowledge. Then we will exist in the fullness
("Perfect") sphere; within it we have adult things and
full knowledge of God.

A parallel argument is found in Galatians 4:1-9: hoton de
elthee to teleion "But when that which is perfect has
come" is similar to hoton de elttheen to pleerooma tou
chronou "But when was come the fullness of time"
(Gal 4:4).

The Epistle to the Galatians was written about A.D. 49. Six
years later Paul modifies his illustration: In Galatians the
"fullness of time" starts at the first coming of
Christ; in 1Corinthians "that which is perfect" starts
at the Second Coming of Christ.

The contrast in Galatians is in the "time" before
and after Christ. In the time before Christ the Galatians were
minors (4:1) under guardians and trustees (4:2) enslaved to the (stoicheia)
"elements of the world" (4:3). Then in the
"fullness of time" they know God and are known by God
(4:9) The idea is one of the lesser being replaced by the
greater.

The contrast in 1Corinthians is between the "in
part" and "Perfect." While in the "in
part" we have incomplete knowledge and incomplete prophecy
to tutor us (13:9); we are children with childish things (13:11);
our vision of God is unclear and partial (13:11). Then in the
Perfect we will know God even as we are known (13:12). The idea
is one of the lesser being replaced by the greater.

[9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part. [10] But
when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in
part will be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spoke as a
child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but
when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now
we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know
in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

To Paul meros can be a place or a portion (Eph.
4:9,16). The present sphere is "in part" because it
lacks the revelation of God. Our knowledge and prophecy in this meros
sphere is partial; it is like seeing through a mirror, dimly. In
it we have only childish things. It is to be completely
obliterated by the coming of the "fullness" sphere, the
"perfect" sphere of existence, i.e., the Kingdom of
God. Then we will see Him face to face and know him even as we
are known. Childish and partial things are no more.

There is no connection or link between these two spheres of
existence. They are distinct and separate realities. The sphere
known as the "in part" will be destroyed by the arrival
of the "perfect" sphere of God, by the brightness of
Christ's coming (2Thes 2:8), just as light destroys darkness.

Paul's intent in verse 10 is: "Look to the coming Kingdom
of God, whenever it comes, then what you now have and are so
concerned about cannot exist. It is destined to pass away anyway
so do not let its present failing upset you."

The idea behind the contrast can be illustrated by the
following:

"Now while we live in the poor side of town, some of
us have ice cream cones, but when (whenever) the ice cream
truck comes, it will take us to a better part of town, then
ice cream cones shall be done away."

The ice cream truck tarries, all ice cream cones melt and
pass away, never to return. Generations later the ice cream
truck arrives. It comports all those waiting to the good part
of town. Once there it only dispenses gallons of ice cream to
all. The truck does not even carry ice cream cones to give
out, and no one even cares that is no longer possible for
them to exist.

Hence when the ice cream truck came, then all lesser forms
of ice cream were done away. The very sphere of their
possible existence was done away.

Of course, if the truck had arrived before these ceased,
their existence would have vanished at that time. But I did
not predict that. I did not know when the truck would come. I
was looking at the coming greater reality and its total
destruction of the former reality.

No teaching for the continuity of these special revelatory
gifts is valid in this context. Paul says very clearly "they
will cease." (13:8) He does not say when. His future is our
past.

This is seen by the nature of their existence. Prophecies,
tongues and knowledge, childish things, mirror's reflection,
faith and hope operate within the present "in part"
sphere which came to into existence at the Fall of Man (Gen.
3:7). They are separate from the sphere itself, they operate
within it. For example, people are born and die in this sphere.
Governments rise and fall within it. God's dispensation went from
Law to Grace, all within the same sphere. These operate within
the sphere, they are not the sphere.

The passage is not prophecy, Paul is uncertain about the
timing. He says, "But when:"

"'The conditional temporal hotan with the
subjunctive form of the verb, "[whenever the end] should
come" (v. 10), suggests that Paul felt an indefiniteness
about when the end he has in mind would come.'"2

He is teaching by comparison. It is an example of qal
wahomer "light to heavy" argumentation practiced
"to some extent by first century rabbis" (Cf. Rom
5:15-21; 2Cor 3:7-18. Compare "heavy to light" Rom
5:6-9; 5:10; 8:32; 11:24; 1Cor 6:2; 13:12).3

[12] Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then
we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall
know fully, even as I am fully known.

If this is considered prediction then Paul is open to the
charge of being a false prophet. 1) Paul is not predicting that
he and the Corinthians would see the completion of the canon of
Scripture and that at that time all would know God even as God
knows them. 2) Neither is Paul saying the Corinthians will be
alive to soon see Christ "face to face." He may have
hoped that; but he does not predict it.

[13] "And now these three remain: faith, hope and
love. But the greatest of these is love."

Paul still carries the "light to heavy" theme
forward even as he leaves his analogy and discusses the present
situation of the Corinthians: "Now we see but a poor
reflection...Now I know in part...Now these three remain."
-- "Now even though the gifts are failing, faith hope and
love remain." The greater of these is "love"
because love remains even after the Perfect arrives at the Second
Coming, abolishing the need for "faith" and
"hope."

[14] "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire
spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

Paul still manages to continue "light to heavy" as
he says "Follow love" which is permanent and will
console you as these gifts disappear but "seek them while
they are still available especially seek to prophesy because that
is the greater, it benefits the body of Christ." Hence Paul
showed them "a more excellent way" (1Cor 12:31).

The
Revelatory Gifts were Failing

"Love never fails." Paul's reason for stating the
obvious is to answer the Church's questions (7:1; 12:1; 16:1)
about the manifest failing of these special gifts of revelation.
Faith hope and love are abiding, prophecy tongues and knowledge
are not abiding (13:13). Earnestly desire (do not despise) these
gifts while they are still available but follow love because it
will not fail (14:1).

This failing of these gifts is seen elsewhere: "For Jews
request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom" (1:22). As a
Rabbi, Paul often teaches by allusion (10:1-15). He saw the
Corinthians divided into two main camps: Those who sought signs
as indicative of God's approval separated themselves from those
who did not have them (12:12-31; 11:18-19). Those who did not
have these special gifts excluded the former by requiring
intellectual wisdom and eloquence (1:17-2:2). These were in the
majority and were going to forbid tongues speaking entirely
(14:39). Hence Paul devotes more attention to them (chapters
1-6).

"So that you come short in no gift,
eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ"
(1:7).

This is not praise (11:17); Paul would not puff up the
Corinthians more than they already were (8:1): Even though the
gifts are failing you Corinthians still are a church of God
sanctified in Christ Jesus and equal with all who call on His
name (1:2). This fact has already been confirmed (1:6). The
failing of the gifts is being experienced by all the churches
(1:7). God (bebaioosei) "will strengthen" you
even though these gifts are declining (1:8). He is faithful
(1:9). Do not doubt your calling into the fellowship of His Son
(1:9). Let there be no divisions among you over these things
(1:10-11).

This passage raises the possibility that Paul briefly
connected the decline of the revelatory gifts with the nearness
of Christ's return, an "unofficial sign" as it were of
His nearness (1:7; 13:8-10; Rom 13:10-13).

The
Revelatory Gifts have Ceased

That the lesser forms of revelation ceased is evident from a
survey of Scripture written prior to Corinthians (A.D. 55) and
after to the end of the canon.

Some of this evidence is based on an argument from silence
which no doubt some will object proves nothing. However, as it is
against human nature to be silent about these gifts wherever they
exist, such objection is moot. The Corinthians themselves are
proof that even with the divine factor in operation these gifts
are discussed.

Further proof of this truth can be found in modern Pentecostal
churches. It can be readily seen they find it impossible for them
to keep silent about their "gifts."

The book of Romans, written about the same time as 2
Corinthians, is perhaps a supporting witness to the state of
these gifts in the church universal. Here we find a list of the
gifts but only prophecy is mentioned and that is referred to in
such a way that implies it was not common (Rom 12:4-13).

Survey
of the New Testament

Tongues are no longer discussed after 55 A.D. when 1
Corinthians was written. References to prophecy and knowledge in
the church pass away entirely so that by 94 A.D. there is nothing
of these mentioned in seven Churches of Asia (1:4-3:22) except
for a false prophetess called Jezebel (2:20).

A.D. 49: Paul lists fruits of the Spirit rather than special
gifts (Galatians 5:2-23).

A.D. 56: Only prophecy is mentioned in a way that implies it
is rare and the other gifts surprisingly are not named at all
(Romans 12:4-13).

A.D.60: The absence here of revelatory gifts in this context
is very conspicuous, it should be here in a number of places. The
text lists prophets with apostles, signifying they are few in
number (Ephesians 4:2-5:21).

A.D. 60: This context would have been perfect to mention the
revelatory gifts, instead he refers to false charismata
(Colossians 2:9-18).

A.D. 60: Paul neither hears about revelatory gifts nor does he
pray for Philemon to receive them (Philemon 1:4-7).

A.D. 62: No revelatory gifts mentioned here (Titus 3:1-8).

A.D. 62: Revelatory gifts not part of the requirements for the
office of overseer or deacon (1 Timothy 3:2-13).

A.D. 62: Paul had to exhort Timothy to use his gift (ministry?
cp. 2Tim. 1:6,7) and the example he is to set is for holy living,
not gift seeking (1Timothy 4:12-16).

A.D. 67: The special gifts are referred to in the past tense
(Hebrews 2:3-4).

A.D. 67: Spur one another unto love and good deeds, not
tongues (Hebrews 10:24-25).

A.D. 67: Peter does not mention these gifts amongst those who
share the divine nature and this is in contrast to the false
prophets in next chapter (2Peter 1:4-9).

A.D. 90: Evidence of having the Spirit is love and true
doctrine (1John 4:12-17).

A.D. 94: The seven churches in the book of Revelation make no
mention of these revelatory gifts at all, only to a false
prophetess called Jezebel (Revelation. 2:20,21).4

A.D. 94: Testimony of Jesus is spirit of prophecy (Revelation
19:10).

A.D. 94: If prophecy were still in operation in the church,
Revelation 22:18 would not forbid adding to the book.

A.D. 94: Ethical imperatives, not gift seeking( Revelation
22:11).

Comments
on Survey

Satan has been known to step into a Christian void (John
14:30). With the decline of true Prophets the false increased
(2Cor 11:3-12:13). They became numerous enough to upset the
Church to the point where believers were despising prophecy
altogether. About A.D. 51, five years before Paul wrote
1Corinthians he says: "Do not despise prophecies. Test all
things; hold fast what is good" (1Thes 5:20-21; cp. 1Cor
14:29; 2Pet 1:20-2:1ff)." By A.D. 90 the apostle John says:
"...many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John
4:1)."

These became so many they left the apostle John's church (was
it revelatory giftless?) to form their own new and exciting
church: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for
if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but
they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them
were of us" (1John 2:19).

Tongues were the
first to go:Paul doesn't mention tongues again in any of
his twelve later epistles: Peter doesn't mention tongues, John
doesn't mention tongues, Jude doesn't mention tongues. To them we
add the apostolic fathers who never alluded to or hinted at
tongues still being around in their day. This is a great crowd of
witnesses.

Tongues do not reappear until the heretic Montanus in the mid
to late second century A.D. These appearances, bearing the fruit
of false doctrine and prophecy (Deut 18:21-22), are additional
proof against the manifestations we see today. God does not
inspire heresy and false prophecy: "Now the Spirit expressly
says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving
heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies
in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot
iron" (1Timothy 4:1).

Tongues were a "sign" to Israel (14:21-22). First
Corinthians was written about 55 A.D. The Temple in Jerusalem was
destroyed in 70 A.D. by Titus. Israel ceased to exist shortly
thereafter. Hence, the reason for the very existence of tongues
was fulfilled; most of the early church Christians were converted
Jews.

Prophecy and
Knowledge also ceased as they fulfilled their purpose:"Prophecies, tongues, and
knowledge" are special gifts of revelation. They are to be
understood within the context of the Corinthian Church. Prophets
spoke revelation from God (14:24-25); it was not necessarily
predictive (14:3ff) and it edified the church. Tongues were a
sign to unbelievers (14:22) and were lesser revelation needing
interpretation (14:23, 28f). Knowledge was God given insight into
God and His truth for the church (12:8-9; cp. 2Cor 4:6-7). Hence,
the order is significant, they are arranged according to clarity
of the revelation thereby received.

Prophecy and knowledge revealed God and guided the church in
matters where they had no scripture. The apostle John is the last
known prophet in the NT, the book of Revelation was written
sometime in A.D. 94-96, although some date it earlier.

Christ has not yet come, but these special gifts of revelation
have ceased, that is a fact of New Testament history. Evidently
God deemed these revelatory gifts inferior to the completed canon
of Scripture. Scripture itself testifies that it is able to
thoroughly equip the Church and make us wise unto salvation
(2Timothy 3:15-17). Hence these revelatory gifts have ceased
never to return again to the Church in general, the two witnesses
in Revelation (11:3) excepted.

Terminology

13:8 - Fails; Cease:"Love never fails: but whether there are
prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will
cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away"
(1Cor 13:8).

The Greek ekpiptei "fails" never fails in
contrast to prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. Love never,
"Falls 'off' like a leaf or flower, as James. 1:11; 1 Peter
1:24."5

The permanence of "love" is compared to the
impermanence of prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. As they are
grouped together against love they all suffer the same
eventuality; they fail never to come back, just as when a leaf
falls off a plant it does not return.

The Greek pauo "cease" means "'to stop,
to make an end,' is used chiefly in the middle voice in the NT,
signifying 'to come to an end, to take one's rest, a willing
cessation' (in contrast to the passive voice which denotes a
forced cessation)."6

Paul distinguishes the cessation of tongues pauo
"will cease" from that of prophecy and knowledge katargeo
"will vanish away" knowing these will be around longer
than tongues. How much longer he does not say.

13:10 - Perfect:"'That which is perfect' (to teleion).
The perfect, the full-grown (telos, end), the mature. See
on 2:6... adults or grown men (common use of teleios for
relative perfection, for adults, as in 1Cor 14:20; Phil 3:15; Eph
4:13; Heb 5:14)."7

13:12 - Face to
Face:Compare "face of Christ" 2Cor 4:6)
is an allusion to the face of God--The Divine Countenance was
seen by Moses (Exod 33:11ff; Num 12:8; 14:14; Compare John 12:41;
1:1). "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a
mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the
Lord" (2Cor 3:18).

This sphere of full revelation of God will begin at the Second
Coming of Christ. Paul himself uses the related telos in
vs. 1:8 and 15:24 when speaking of the end. Hence, it is
extraneous to the context that "perfection" refer to
the completed canon of Scripture. Such was not on Paul's mind
when he wrote these words.

Conclusion

The "perfect" does not refer to "the completed
canon of Scripture" as many claim. However, tongues,
prophecy, and knowledge have ceased. They were ceasing even when
Paul penned 1Corinthians 13:10.

This interpretation is easily defended and the timeline of
cessation irrefutable. Endless argument over the nature of
tongues or any appeal to earlier Scripture is irrelevant,
immaterial, and incompetent, for they were ceasing well within
the timeframe of New Testament History, never to return.